Barcelona manager, Hansi Flick, has praised Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer of all time, responding to the Inter Miami forward’s recent positive comments about his former club.

Messi, who left Barcelona in 2021 for Paris Saint-Germain before making the move to Inter Miami, recently spoke highly of Barcelona’s current squad under Flick’s leadership.

The 36-year-old Argentine legend referred to the team as “spectacular” and expressed his pride in how they have been representing the club in recent months.

In a pre-match interview ahead of Barcelona’s LaLiga clash with Celta Vigo, Flick reflected on Messi’s words with gratitude and admiration.

He said, “It’s an honor that Leo Messi, the greatest player of all time, says good things about Barça.” Flick went on to highlight how much it means to the club that Messi continues to follow Barcelona closely, despite his departure years ago.

Messi’s comments on the team have been well received by both players and staff, with the Argentine showing great respect for the younger talents now making their mark at the Catalan club.

Flick acknowledged how significant it is that Messi holds the current squad, many of whom are in their early 20s, in such high regard.

For Barcelona, Messi’s endorsement serves as a morale booster, especially as the club works to rebuild and restore its dominance in both La Liga and European football.